Portable Emergency Position Location Data Logging Communications Terminal

Abstract

A portable voice and data communications device capable of logging and transmitting position location data. The system consists of a transceiver and processor that receive, calculate, store, and transmit position location information from the global positioning system (GPS) and/or from a built in inertial navigation system (INS). The device has an emergency distress button that, when pushed by the user of the invention, sends an emergency distress notification, via cellular or satellite data communications links, to multiple preconfigured recipients as a text message and is represented on an internet based map display. The device can be configured to operate in two possible modes of operation. One mode of operation allows the user of the invention to constantly stream their position location information to the map display. The alternate mode of operation allows users to keep their location discreet with a position location data logging mode of operation that only transmits their existing location and a preset number of locations stored in the data logger when the emergency distress button is pushed. Upon activation of the emergency distress button, the device automatically defaults to the position location streaming mode of operation. Users of the invention may also be able to use the device for two way voice and text message communications in order to facilitate resolution of an emergency distress situation or for non-emergency communications.

1 . A portable emergency position location data logging communications terminal system, the system comprising:
 (a) a portable device capable of sending an emergency distress signal   (b) an emergency distress button functionally related to the portable system such that when the button is pressed an alarm signal is generated and processed by,   (i) an emergency dispatch center that receives the emergency distress message,   (ii) an emergency center dispatcher capable of receiving the emergency distress message and interpreting the location data on a computer map display and identifying the latest location of the individual,   (iii) a verbal and data communication capability between the emergency center dispatcher and the user of the system,   (iv) a means for the emergency center dispatcher to connect callers directly to the system or connect multiple parties to a conference call,   (v) a means for alpha numeric messages to be transmitted to the system   
   
   
       2 . The portable emergency position location data logging communication terminal system claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the user can select a mode of operating the system such that the system continually transmits position location at regular intervals. 
   
   
       3 . The portable emergency position location data logging communication terminal system claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the user can select a discrete mode of operating the system such that the system does not transmit position location until the emergency distress button is pressed. 
   
   
       4 . The portable emergency position location data logging communication terminal system claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the system conducts data logging of a series of most recent locations and this stored data is transmitted when the emergency distress button is pressed. 
   
   
       5 . The portable emergency position location data logging communication terminal systems claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the system may process GPS and/or inertial navigation system (INS) position location information. 
   
   
       6 . The portable emergency position location data logging communication terminal systems claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the position location information is transmitted to the emergency dispatch center via wireless data communications networks. 
   
   
       7 . The portable emergency position location data logging communication terminal systems claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a light built into the circuitry of the system flashes when the emergency distress button is activated. 
   
   
       8 . The portable emergency position location data logging communication terminal systems claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the system can be clipped to a personal article of clothing or some other object. 
   
   
       9 . The portable emergency position location data logging communication terminal systems claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the system has a speaker and microphone for voice communications. 
   
   
       10 . The portable emergency position location data logging communication terminal systems claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the system has a button for controlling features of the system such as speaker volume. 
   
   
       11 . The portable emergency position location data logging communication terminal systems claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the system has a screen capable of showing alpha numeric characters and system status indicators. 
   
   
       12 . The portable emergency position location data logging communication terminal systems claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the position locations are presented on a computer map display viewed via the internet. 
   
   
       13 . The portable emergency position location data logging communication terminal systems claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the system automatically transmits emergency distress messages to the emergency dispatch center and emergency points of contact on a recurring basis when the emergency distress button is pressed. 
   
   
       14 . The portable emergency position location data logging communication terminal systems claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the emergency center dispatcher is able to deactivate the emergency distress function. 
   
   
       15 . The portable emergency position location data logging communication terminal systems claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the system is contained in water resistant or water proof container with the shape of a pager. 
   
   
       16 . The portable emergency position location data logging communication terminal systems claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the system is powered by disposable batteries or rechargeable batteries recharged using an external power source. 
   
   
       17 . The portable emergency position location data logging communication terminal systems claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the user of the system can view their location on a map display via the internet and select whether they wish to share their position location information with all other users of the internet map display or keep their position location private. 
   
   
       18 . The portable emergency position location data logging communication terminal systems claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the emergency dispatch center may grant access to the location map display via the internet to emergency responders. 
   
   
       19 . The portable emergency position location data logging communication terminal systems claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the emergency dispatch center can forward the position location data to emergency responder data networks. 
   
   
       20 . The portable emergency position location data logging communication terminal systems claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the position location information can be represented individually or as a grouping on the computer map display.